06-12-26 Leonard Searcy, founder of WestBone Productions, and Brenda Gilbert, award-winning producer and former co-founder of BRON Studios, talk with Freddie Bell about MegaMiXer 2026 and building careers in film, television, music, and entertainment

06-12-26 Leonard Searcy, founder of WestBone Productions, and Brenda Gilbert, award-winning producer and former co-founder of BRON Studios, talk with Freddie Bell about MegaMiXer 2026 and building careers in film, television, music, and entertainment

Author: KMOJ-89.9 FM “The People’s Station” June 12, 2026 Duration: 9:47

On the KMOJ Morning Show, Emmy Award-winning actor, director, and producer Leonard Searcy, alongside acclaimed producer Brenda Gilbert joins Freddie Bell to discuss MegaMiXer 2026, a three-day event bringing together creatives, entrepreneurs, and entertainment professionals from across film, television, music, sports, fashion, and media. Leonard shares how MegaMiXer was created to open doors, create opportunities, and showcase Minnesota’s untapped creative talent while giving attendees direct access to industry leaders and decision-makers. Brenda reflects on her remarkable journey co-founding BRON Studios, producing award-winning films, and her upcoming fireside chat, “Peaks & Perils: Founding Your Production Company,” where she’ll discuss the highs, challenges, and lessons of building a production company. Together, they explore why collaboration across entertainment industries matters, why Minnesota is poised to become a creative powerhouse, and how MegaMiXer is helping diverse voices find their place in the global entertainment economy.


KMOJCast brings the distinct voice of North Minneapolis directly to you, curated from the archives and ongoing broadcasts of KMOJ-89.9 FM “The People’s Station.” This isn't a typical studio production; it's a direct line to the conversations, music, and perspectives that have defined a community institution since 1976. Each episode in this podcast serves as an audio snapshot, featuring segments from the station's long-running "Community Viewpoint" and other select programming that embodies its mission. You'll hear discussions focused on empowerment, local culture, and the issues that matter most to Communities of Color in the Twin Cities and beyond, all framed within the station's signature urban adult contemporary sound. The content feels immediate and grounded, reflecting decades of trust and engagement. Tuning into this podcast means connecting with a legacy of advocacy and celebration, where the airwaves have always been a tool for support and elevation. It’s an opportunity to experience the ongoing work of a broadcaster dedicated to reflecting and enriching the way of life for the people it serves, packaged for listening anytime.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

KMOJCast
Podcast Episodes
07-15-26 Marklyn T. Johnson ("Mr. Direct"), five-time published author, stand-up comedian, and motivational speaker, talks with Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings about his new book, Pull Up a Chair: An Honest Conversation About Race in America [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:13
On the KMOJ Morning Show, Marklyn T. Johnson joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss Pull Up a Chair: An Honest Conversation About Race in America, a book that combines real-life interviews, personal stories, and…
07-15-26 Peyton Scott Russell, Minneapolis-based artist, talks with Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings about his collaborative mural project with North High School students and community partners that celebrates creativity, mentorship, and public art [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:52
On the KMOJ Morning Show, Peyton Scott Russell joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss a community mural project made possible through a Minnesota State Arts Board grant that brought together North High School st…
07-15-26 Lyneir Richardson, CEO of The Chicago TREND Corp., talks with Freddie & Chantel about the opportunity for N. Minneapolis residents to become co-owners of Hawthorn Crossings Shopping Center, Minnesota’s 1st community co-owned shopping center [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:04
On the KMOJ Morning Show, Lyneir Richardson joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss an innovative wealth-building opportunity that could transform commercial real estate ownership in North Minneapolis. As CEO of…
07-14-26 Darrail Hughes, Site Coordinator for PCYC Freedom Schools, talks with Chantel Sings about the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program and the upcoming National Day of Social Action focused on children’s mental health and well-being [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:24
On the KMOJ Morning Show, Darrail Hughes joins Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of PCYC Freedom Schools and how the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools program helps prevent summer learning loss while empowering…
07-08-26 Rose McGee, President & Founder of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie®, talks with Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings about building community through storytelling, the 30th anniversary of her play, and upcoming Sweet Potato Comfort Pie events [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 11:50
On the KMOJ Morning Show, Rose McGee joins Freddie Bell and Chantel Sings to discuss the mission of Sweet Potato Comfort Pie® and how storytelling continues to bring people together across cultures and communities. She r…
07-02-26 Jay Haapala, Asso. State Director of Community Engagement at AARP MN, talks with Chantel Sings about AARP’s 2026 Community Challenge grants and how innovative projects across Minnesota are making communities more livable for people of all ages [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:11
On the KMOJ Morning Show, Jay Haapala joins Chantel Sings to discuss AARP Minnesota’s 2026 Community Challenge grants, which are supporting 18 projects across the state that improve quality of life and help communities b…